diocese of bismarck priest assignments 2021

Bishop Duca Announces Clergy and Pastoral Assignments

• The Catholic Commentator

Assignment changes for priests and deacons beginning July 1

By Anne Marie Amacher The Catholic Messenger

Sixteen priests and four deacons will see assignment changes beginning July 1 when four priests are retiring and one religious order priest is moving out of the Diocese of Davenport, Bishop Thomas Zinkula announced.

Retirements

Father Anthony Herold , 69, will retire. The Fort Madison native graduated from Northeast Missouri State (now Truman State University) and St. Ambrose College in Davenport. He completed his theology studies at the Pontifical North American College in Rome. Bishop Gerald O’Keefe ordained him to the priesthood July 14, 1979 at St. Mary Church-Fort Madison. Father Herold served at St. Paul Parish-Burlington, St. Mary Parish-Clinton and as spiritual director, diocesan vocations director and rector of the former St. Ambrose Seminary-Davenport. He served at St. Mary Parish-Iowa City, St. Patrick Parish-Ottumwa, St. Mary Magdalen Parish-Bloomfield and St. Mary of the Visitation Parish-Ottumwa and in pastoral management for corporate affairs at St. Aloysius Parish-Eldon. He served at Jesus Christ, Prince of Peace Parish-Clinton, Immaculate Conception Parish-Petersville, Ss. John & Paul Parish-Burlington, St. Paul the Apostle Parish-Davenport and as diocesan vicar general. He currently serves as pastor of Sacred Heart Parish-Newton and dean of the Grinnell Deanery.

Father Timothy Regan , 73, will retire. A Wisconsin native, he graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and completed theology studies at Pope John XXIII National Seminary in Weston, Massachusetts. Bishop O’Keefe ordained him to the priesthood May 30, 1991 at St. Anthony Church-Knoxville. Father Regan served at University Hospitals in Iowa City, Our Lady of Lourdes Parish-Bettendorf, Holy Trinity Parish-Keota, Sacred Heart Parish-Lost Nation, St. James Parish-Toronto and Sacred Heart Parish-Oxford Junction. He served as priest chaplain at Genesis Health System in Davenport and at St. Paul the Apostle Parish-Davenport. He currently serves as a chaplain at University Hospitals in Iowa City.

Father David Wilkening , 74, will retire. The Sigourney native graduated from the University of Northern Iowa-Cedar Falls and completed his theology studies at St. Paul Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota. Bishop O’Keefe ordained him to the priesthood June 9, 1979 at St. Mary Church-Sigourney. Father Wilkening served at Sacred Heart Parish-Clinton, St. Mary Parish-Iowa City, St. Mary Magdalen Parish-Bloomfield, and St. Aloysius Parish-Eldon. He also served at St. Joseph Parish-What Cheer, Our Lady of Lourdes Parish-Keswick, St. Joseph Parish-North English, St. Mary Parish-West Point and St. Boniface Parish-Farmington. He also served at St. Mary Parish-Solon, Holy Family Parish-Fort Madison and St. Joseph Parish-Montrose. Currently, he is pastor of St. Patrick Parish-Marengo, St. Joseph Parish-North English and St. Mary Parish-Williamsburg.

Father Stephen Witt , 74, will retire. The Clinton native graduated from St. Ambrose College-Davenport and the University of Iowa. He married Patricia Finkenhoefer in 1974 and was in the workforce for 45 years. Ordained to the diaconate in 1982, he served parishes in Clinton before moving to Grinnell and serving at St. Mary Parish. After his wife’s death in 2001, he discerned a call to the priesthood. He completed theology studies at Sacred Heart School of Theology-Hales Corners, Wisconsin. Bishop Martin Amos ordained him to the priesthood Dec. 15, 2012 at Sacred Heart Cathedral. Father Witt currently serves as pastor of St. Mary Parish-Iowa City and has served that parish and the Newman Catholic Student Center-Iowa City in various roles.

Assignment changes

Father James Betzen, C.PP.S , 69, is being reassigned outside of the Davenport Diocese by his community, the Missionaries of the Precious Blood. Father Betzen currently serves at St. Mary of the Visitation Parish-Ottumwa.

Father Gary Beckman , 64, will become pastor of Holy Family Parish-Fort Madison and St. Joseph Parish-Montrose. The Burlington native studied at Southeastern Community College-Burlington, Western Illinois University-Macomb, Illinois, and graduated from St. Ambrose University with a degree in criminal justice. He worked in law enforcement before studying theology at St. Paul Seminary-St. Paul, Minnesota, and completed theology studies at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary-St. Louis. Bishop William Franklin ordained him to the priesthood June 4, 1995 at Sacred Heart Cathedral. He served at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish-Bettendorf, Holy Family Parish-Davenport, Assumption & St. Patrick Parish-Charlotte, Ss. Mary & Joseph Parish-Sugar Creek and St. Joseph Parish-DeWitt. He also served at St. John the Baptist Parish-Houghton and St. James Parish-St. Paul. He currently serves as pastor of St. Wenceslaus Parish-Iowa City and St. Bernadette Parish-West Branch.

Father James Flattery , 33, will become pastor of St. Mary Parish-Tipton, St. Mary Parish-Mechanicsville and St. Bernadette Parish-West Branch. The Colfax native graduated from AIB College of Business-Des Moines and went to work for Target Corp. in Altoona and Ankeny. He graduated from Conception Seminary-Conception, Missouri, and completed his theology studies at University of St. Mary of the Lake–Mundelein Seminary in Mundelein, Illinois. Bishop Thomas Zinkula ordained him to the priesthood June 6, 2020 at Immaculate Conception Church-Colfax. Father Flattery currently serves at Divine Mercy Parish-Burlington/West Burlington and St. Mary Parish-Dodgeville.

Father Scott Foley , 38, will remain as pastor of St. Mary Parish-Grinnell and add the assignment of pastor of St. Patrick Parish-Brooklyn. The Williamsburg native graduated from the University of Iowa with a BSE in civil engineering and a minor in business. He completed his theology studies at the Pontifical North American College-Rome. He worked as an engineer before entering the seminary. He also served as an English teacher at Mokpo Catholic University in Mokpo, South Korea, and worked with the Missionaries of Charity in Calcutta, India. Bishop Zinkula ordained him to the priesthood June 1, 2019 at Sacred Heart Cathedral. Father Foley has served at St. Paul the Apostle Parish-Davenport, Our Lady of Victory Parish-Davenport and Assumption High School-Davenport. He currently serves as pastor of the Grinnell parish.

Father Marty Goetz , 54, will become pastor at Sacred Heart Parish-Newton. The Keokuk native attended Southeastern Community College and St. Ambrose University. He completed theology studies at Mundelein Seminary-St. Mary of the Lake. Bishop O’Keefe ordained him to the priesthood May 29, 1992 at All Saints Church-Keokuk. Father Goetz served at St. Patrick Parish-Iowa City, Our Lady of Victory Parish-Davenport and Prince of Peace Parish-Clinton. After a leave of absence, he returned to active ministry in 2001. He also served at Holy Trinity Parish-Keota, St. Mary Parish-Sigourney and Our Lady of Lourdes Parish-Keswick and as diocesan director of vocations. He also served at Holy Trinity Parish-Richmond, St. Mary Parish-Riverside and St. Joseph Parish-Wellman. He currently serves as pastor of Divine Mercy Parish, formed by the merger of Ss. John & Paul Parish-Burlington and Ss. Mary & Patrick Parish-West Burlington. He also serves as pastor of St. Mary Parish-Dodgeville.

Father Jacob Greiner , 41, will become pastor of Divine Mercy Parish-Burlington/West Burlington and St. Mary Parish-Dodgeville and continue as diocesan director of seminarians and of vocations. The Keota native graduated from the University of Notre Dame and completed theology studies at St. Paul Seminary-St. Paul. Bishop Amos ordained him to the priesthood May 25, 2013 at Sacred Heart Cathedral. Father Greiner served at Ss. Mary & Mathias Parish-Muscatine, St. Anthony Parish-Knoxville, Sacred Heart Parish-Melcher and priest moderator of St. Andrew Parish-Blue Grass. He currently serves as pastor of Our Lady of Victory Parish-Davenport.

Father Patrick Hilgendorf , 53, will become pastor of Our Lady of Victory Parish-Davenport. The Clinton native graduated from Mount St. Clare College-Clinton, St. Ambrose University-Davenport and completed his theology studies at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary. Bishop Franklin ordained him to the priesthood May 17, 1997 at Sacred Heart Cathedral. Father Hilgendorf has served at St. Paul the Apostle Parish-Davenport, St. Patrick and St. Wenceslaus parishes in Iowa City, Ss. John & Paul Parish-Burlington and Ss. Mary & Patrick Parish-West Burlington. He currently serves as pastor of St. Patrick Parish-Ottumwa and St. Mary Magdalen Parish-Bloomfield.

Father John Lamansky , 32, will serve as pastor of St. Wenceslaus Parish-Iowa City with ministry to the Hispanic community at St. Patrick Parish-Iowa City. A Fairfield-area native, he graduated from Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio, completed advanced studies at Mundelein Seminary, and completed theology studies at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas-Rome. Bishop Zinkula ordained him to the priesthood June 30, 2018 at Sacred Heart Cathedral. Father Lamansky served at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish-Bettendorf and currently serves as parochial vicar of Jesus Christ, Prince of Peace Parish-Clinton and chaplain of Prince of Peace Catholic School.

Father Robert Lathrop , 64, while remaining pastor of Holy Trinity Parish-Keota and St. Mary Parish-Sigourney, and administrator of Ss. Joseph and Cabrini Parish-Richland, will add duties as pastor of St. Joseph Parish-North English. Born in Orlando, Florida, he moved around the country as his father served in the military. Father Lathrop served in the military from 1977-1995 and took early retirement to pursue undergraduate studies. He graduated from St. Ambrose University and completed theology studies at Mundelein Seminary. Bishop Franklin ordained him to the priesthood June 9, 2001 at Sacred Heart Cathedral. Father Lathrop served at Ss. Mary & Mathias Parish-Muscatine, Our Lady of Victory Parish-Davenport and All Saints Parish-Keokuk. He also served at St. Joseph Parish-Montrose, St. Patrick Parish-Georgetown, St. Peter Parish-Lovilia, St. Patrick Parish-Melrose and All Saints Parish-Keokuk. He currently serves as pastor of the Keota and Sigourney parishes and as administrator in Richland.

Father Khoa Le , 40, will become parochial vicar at Jesus Christ, Prince of Peace Parish-Clinton. Father Le, a native of Vietnam, graduated from the University of Hue with a bachelor’s degree in physics. He studied for the priesthood at Major Seminary of Hue. Bishop Francis Xavier Le Van Hong ordained him to the priesthood June 12, 2015 at Phu Cam Cathedral in Vietnam. He later earned a master of pastoral theology degree from Seton Hall University in New Jersey. He has served at Ss. Mary & Mathias Parish-Muscatine since arriving in the diocese in 2021.

Father Scott Lemaster , 66, while remaining as pastor at St. Bridget Parish-Victor, will be relieved as pastor of St. Patrick Parish-Brooklyn and assigned as pastor of St. Patrick Parish-Marengo. The Muscatine native graduated from St. Ambrose College, Aquinas Institute-St. Louis and studied theology at St. Paul Seminary in St. Paul, St. John’s School of Theology and Seminary, Collegeville-Minnesota, and Aquinas Institute-St. Louis. Bishop O’Keefe ordained him to the priesthood June 22, 1985 at St. Mary Church-Muscatine. Father Lemaster has served at Our Lady of Victory Parish-Davenport, Sacred Heart Parish-Kinross, Holy Trinity Parish-Richmond, St. Joseph Parish-Wellman, St. Patrick Parish-Melrose, St. Patrick Parish-Georgetown and St. Peter Parish-Lovilia. He has also served at Assumption & St. Patrick Parish-Charlotte, Ss. Mary & Joseph Parish-Sugar Creek, Immaculate Conception Parish-Petersville and St. Patrick Parish-Delmar. He currently serves as pastor of the Brooklyn and Victor parishes.

Father Symphorien Lopoke , 54, will become pastor of St. Mary Parish-Iowa City where he currently serves as parochial vicar.

Father Dale Mallory , 31, while continuing to serve as parochial vicar of St. Mary of the Visitation Parish-Ottumwa, will also serve at St. Patrick Parish-Ottumwa and St. Mary Magdalen Parish-Bloomfield. Born in Massachusetts, he graduated from the University of Iowa and worked several years before discerning a call to the priesthood. He completed theology studies at St. Paul Seminary School of Theology at the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota. Bishop Zinkula ordained him to the priesthood June 4, 2022 at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Davenport. He assisted at St. Anthony Parish-Davenport and currently serves at St. Mary of the Visitation-Ottumwa.

Father Francis Mensah , 40, while remaining pastor of St. Peter Parish-Cosgrove, St. Mary Parish-Oxford and serving as defender of the bond for the diocesan marriage tribunal, will add duties as pastor of St. Mary Parish-Williamsburg. He grew up in Ghana, Africa and earned degrees from St. Paul Seminary-Accra, and St. Peter Seminary-Cape Coast, the Pontifical Urbaniana University-Rome, Pontifical Gregorian University-Rome and Pontifical Lateran University-Rome. Bishop Matthias Kobina Nketsiah ordained him to the priesthood Sept. 25, 2010 in Cape Coast, Ghana. Father Mensah has served at the University of Cape Coast, Ghana; a senior high school in Agona Swedru, Ghana; in radio evangelization in Ghana; and as a parochial collaborator at St. Barbara Parish in the Diocese of Rome. He came to the Davenport Diocese in 2022.

Father Richard Okumu , 66, will serve as a senior priest at St. Thomas More Parish-Coralville and St. Patrick Parish-Iowa City. Born in Uganda, East Africa, he attended Katigando National Major Seminary and earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy. He also studied at Cambridge University in England and did theology studies at Gregorian University in Rome. Bishop O’Keefe ordained him to the priesthood Aug. 8, 1981 at Sacred Heart Church-Newton. Father Okumu served at Assumption High School-Davenport, St. Patrick Parish-Iowa City, Sacred Heart Parish-Kinross, Holy Trinity Parish-Richmond and St. Joseph Parish-Wellman. After a leave of absence for studies, he served at St. Peter Parish-Cosgrove, St. Michael Parish-Holbrook, St. Bridget Parish-Victor, St. Patrick Parish in Brooklyn and Church of the Visitation Parish in Camanche. He currently serves as pastor of St. Mary Parish-Mechanicsville and St. Mary Parish-Tipton.

Father David Paintsil , 44, recently arrived in the Davenport Diocese and will become parochial vicar of St. Mary Parish-Iowa City. A native of Africa, he attended St. Peter Regional Seminary at Cape Coast, Ghana, did theological studies at the Pontifical Urbaniana University-Rome and advanced studies at the University of Cape Coast, Ghana. Cardinal Peter Turkson ordained him to the priesthood Nov. 12, 2005 at St. Francis Cathedral at Cape Coast. Father Paintsil has served at Mary, Queen of Peace, St. Edward and Immaculate Conception of Mary Grotto parishes, all in Cape Coast.

Father Joseph Phung , 65, will become pastor at St. Patrick Parish-Iowa City. Born in Vietnam, he began theology studies there before his school closed. He immigrated to the United States in 1993 and studied at St. Ambrose University. He completed his theology studies at Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. Bishop Franklin ordained him to the priesthood June 24, 2000 at Sacred Heart Cathedral. Father Phung served at St. Mary Parish-Iowa City, Sacred Heart Cathedral-Davenport, where he also served the Vietnamese Catholic community, and St. Alphonsus Parish-Mount Pleasant. He currently serves as pastor of Holy Family Parish-Fort Madison and St. Joseph Parish-Montrose.

Father Joseph Sia , 48, will become pastor of St. Patrick Parish and St. Mary parishes in Ottumwa and St. Mary Magdalen Parish-Bloomfield. Born in Manila, Philippines, he earned a BS in basic medical sciences and a doctor of medicine from the University of Philippines. Before entering the priesthood, he was a university research associate at the Institute of Human Genetics, University of the Philippines. He served as a graduate research assistant at the University of Iowa before completing theology studies at Mundelein Seminary. Bishop Amos ordained him to the priesthood May 10, 2008 at Sacred Heart Cathedral. Father Sia served at Ss. Mary & Mathias Parish-Muscatine; St. Joseph Parish-Columbus Junction, St. Joseph Parish-West Liberty and as the diocesan director of vocations. He also served at St. Mary Parish-Davenport and as minister to the Hispanic community there, and at St. Bernadette Parish-West Branch. Currently he serves as pastor of St. Patrick Parish-Iowa City and as diocesan director of recently ordained.

Deacon Christopher Kabat , while remaining at St. Wenceslaus Parish-Iowa City, is relieved of duties at St. Bernadette Parish-West Branch.

Deacon David Montgomery , while remaining at St. Peter Parish-Cosgrove and St. Mary Parish-Oxford, will also serve St. Mary Parish-Williamsburg.

Deacon John Osborne , while remaining at St. Mary Parish-Grinnell, will also serve St. Patrick Parish-Brooklyn.

Deacon Joseph Rohret , while remaining at St. Peter Parish-Cosgrove and St. Mary Parish-Oxford, will also serve St. Mary Parish-Williamsburg.

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University of Mary 63rd Commencement Ceremonies are April 27

Bishop Kagan and Dale Ahlquist to receive honorary doctorate degrees, Bishop Vetter to give commencement speech

2024 Graduates

BISMARCK, ND — On Saturday, April 27, the University of Mary will award degrees to 1059 graduates at its 2024 commencement. The ceremony begins at 2:30 p.m. in the Bismarck Event Center, Seventh Street and Front Avenue, Bismarck.

Founded and sponsored by the Benedictine Sisters of Annunciation Monastery of Bismarck, the University of Mary will award 584 bachelor’s degrees, 334 master’s degrees and 141 doctoral degrees. These students come from 45 states representing 14 countries.

Sixty-seven received the summa cum laude designation, 92 earned magna cum laude designation and 152 students received the cum laude designation. Additionally, 21 students have earned the Certified Schafer Leader designation from the Harold Schafer Emerging Leaders Academy, and 79 students are recognized as Year-Round Campus graduates for fulfilling their degree in 2.5 years.

The 2024 commencement is a ceremony of firsts for Mary: the first students to earn certificates in sacred music; the first students graduating with a Master of Science in Bioethics who went through the new undergraduate concentration; and the first graduate from the new Saint Teresa of Calcutta Community for Mothers.

Honorary Doctorate Degree Recipients

— The Most Reverend David Dennis Kagan, D.D., P.A., J.C.L.

— Dale Curtis Ahlquist, M.A.

Bishop David Kagan was born in Waukegan, Illinois, on November 9, 1949, and grew up in Spring Grove. He holds a BA in Philosophy from Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa, as well as an STB, an MA in Sacred Theology, and a licentiate in Canon Law, all from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. Bishop Kagan was ordained to the priesthood in 1975. He served the Diocese of Rockford, Illinois, in several parishes, both as associate pastor and pastor. He has served as chaplain for Maria Linden and for the Poor Clare Colettines in Rockford. He has been director of the Office of Communication and of Vianney Oaks Retirement Home.     Bishop Kagan was named a Prelate of Honor of His Holiness and received the title of monsignor in 1994. He was admitted to the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem as a Knight Commander in 1995. In July 2011, he was invested in the Ferraiolo of a Prelate to signify his elevation to the title of Protonotary Apostolic Supernumerary of the Supreme Pontiff, which is the highest level of honor for a monsignor.     Bishop Kagan became the seventh Bishop of Bismarck in 2011. In 2012, Pope Benedict XVI named Bishop Kagan apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Fargo. Bishop Kagan began a three-year term on the Board of Governors in St. Louis, Missouri, in 2014. He also currently serves as a member of the Bishops’ Committee for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs and the Bishop’s representative to the Roman Catholic-Evangelical Dialogue.  

Dale Ahlquist is president of the Society of Gilbert Keith Chesterton, creator and host of the EWTN series “G.K. Chesterton: The Apostle of Common Sense,” and Publisher of  Gilbert Magazine . He is the author of six books and has edited fourteen. He is a Senior Fellow of the Chesterton Library at London and has been called “probably the greatest living authority on the life and work of G.K. Chesterton.”

Mr. Ahlquist has given more than 900 lectures at universities, conferences, and other institutions, including Yale, Columbia, Cornell, Notre Dame, Oxford, the Vatican Forum in Rome, and the House of Lords in London.

He is also the co-founder of Chesterton Academy, a top-rated Catholic classical high school in Hopkins, Minnesota, which is the flagship of the growing Chesterton Schools Network. This network includes nearly 60 high schools in the U.S., Canada, Italy, Iraq, and Sierra Leone.

Commencement Speaker — The Most Reverend Bishop Austin Vetter

Bishop Austin Vetter was born in Linton, N.D., on September 13, 1967. After graduation, he attended North Dakota State University and Cardinal Muench Seminary in Fargo, N.D. After receiving his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Philosophy, he studied at the Pontifical North American College and the University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome, Italy. 

Bishop Vetter was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Bismarck in 1993. His first assignment was serving as Parochial Vicar at the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit and he taught religion at St. Mary’s Central High School in Bismarck from 1994 to 1999. In North Dakota, he served as pastor of St. Martin’s Catholic Church in Center, St. Patrick’s Church in Dickinson, St. Leo the Great in Minot, and as Rector of the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit in Bismarck.

From 2004 to 2007, he was an adjunct faculty member for the Institute for Priestly Formation at Creighton University in Omaha, Neb. In the Diocese of Bismarck, he served on the Presbyteral Council, Priest Personnel Board. He was Vicar for the Permanent Diaconate, Master of Ceremonies to the Bishop, and Director of Continuing Education of the Clergy. He served as Director of Spiritual Formation at the Pontifical North American College in Rome, Italy, from July 2012 through June 2018 and most recently as Rector of the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit in Bismarck.

In 2019, he was announced as Pope Francis’ choice to serve as Bishop of the Diocese of Helena. He was ordained and installed as Helena’s 11th Bishop by Archbishop Alexander Sample, Archbishop of Portland, on November 20, 2019.

The 2024 University of Mary graduation ceremonies can be viewed through live streaming at: www.lifeatmary.com

Anyone who wishes to learn more about the University of Mary can do so at www.umary.edu or by contacting an admissions representative at [email protected] , or by calling (701) 355-8030. The University of Mary is one of only 15 Recommended Cardinal Newman Society Residential Colleges and Universities in the US.

About the University of Mary: True to its motto “lumen vitae”—The Light of Life—the University of Mary offers education for the whole of life through cutting-edge professional programs and graduate programs animated by moral courage and leadership in chosen professions and service to the community. A private, co-educational Catholic institution, the University of Mary welcomes students of all faiths and backgrounds.

A Christian, Catholic, Benedictine institution founded in 1959 by the Benedictine Sisters of Annunciation Monastery, Mary offers nearly 60 bachelor’s, 18 master’s, and five doctoral programs—in Business Administration, Education, Nursing Practice, Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy. The 20-sport Athletic Department adheres to its Greatness Through Virtue mission under the governance of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA), and the USA College Clay Target League . With more than 3,800 students, Mary has locations in North Dakota, Montana, Arizona, Rome, Italy, as well as vibrant online offerings.

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Bishop makes pastoral assignments

Special to The Message

Bishop Joseph M. Siegel has announced several pastoral assignments in the Diocese of Evansville, all effective June 28.

Father Luke Hassler has been named pastor of St. Mary Parish in Ireland, along with part-time work as Director of Spiritual Formation for the Propaedeutic Program at the Father Deydier House in Evansville. Father Luke has been serving as Administrator of St. Mary Ireland.

Father Varghese Kalaparakudi has been named parochial vicar at St. Philip Parish in Posey County and St. Matthew Parish in Mount Vernon. Father Varghese was ordained a priest of the Archdiocese of Visakhapatam, India, and will serve our diocese as a missionary priest.

Father Pastory Hange Masunga, JCL , has been named parochial vicar at St. Mary Parish in Ireland along with part-time assistance at the Diocesan Tribunal.  Father Pastory was ordained a priest in the Diocese of Shinyanga in Tanzania, and will serve our diocese as a missionary priest. He recently completed his Canon Law studies in Rome.  

Father Stephen McGinnis , who was ordained to the priesthood June 3 at St. Benedict Cathedral in Evansville, has been named parochial vicar of St. Francis Xavier Parish in Vincennes and St. Philip Neri Parish in Bicknell.

Father William Nicholas has been named administrator of Corpus Christi Parish in Evansville.  Father Bill comes to our diocese from the Archdiocese of San Francisco. His parents have recently moved to the Jasper area to join other family members, and he has asked to begin the process for incardination in the Diocese of Evansville.  

Father Darnis Selvanayakam has been named parochial vicar at St. Joseph Parish in Jasper. Father Darnis was ordained a priest in the Diocese of Udaipur in India, and will serve our diocese as a missionary priest. He served in the Diocese of Bismarck, North Dakota, for 10 years and, for the past five years, in the Diocese of Jackson, Mississippi.  

Father Tyler Tenbarge has been named full-time Director of Vocations and Director of the Propaedeutic Program for our new seminarians, located at the Father Deydier House in Evansville. This extra, year-long program of formation is required by the Vatican Dicastery for the Clergy and is part of the updated Program for Priestly Formation in the United States of America.  

Father Andrew Thomas has been named pastor of St. James Parish and St. Peter and Paul Parish, both in Haubstadt. He has been serving as administrator of the parishes.

Read: Clergy Assignments | March 11, 2024

The Most Reverend Earl Boyea, Bishop of Lansing, has announced the following clergy assignments, effective July 3, 2024:

Rev. Matthew Bonk, from parochial vicar, St. John Vianney Parish (with St. Mary Church), Flint, to pastor of St. John Vianney Parish (with St. Mary Church), Flint.

Rev. Gerald Gawronski, from parochial vicar, St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, Ann Arbor, to pastor of St. Mary Parish, Manchester.

Rev. Brian Lenz, from chaplain, Lumen Christi School, Jackson, with residence at St. John the Evangelist, Jackson, to pastor of St. Robert Bellarmine Parish, Flushing, and Good Shepherd, Montrose.

Rev. Peter Lawrence, from parochial vicar, St. Mary Parish, Westphalia, to pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish, Milan.

Administrators

Rev. Prabhu Lakra, priest of the Diocese of Gumla, India, from parochial vicar, St. Robert Bellarmine Parish, Flushing, and Good Shepherd, Montrose, to administrator of St. Mary and St. Joseph Parish, Durand/Gaines.

Rev. Bosco Padamattummal, priest of the Diocese of Kottapuram, India, from administrator, St. Mary Parish, Manchester, to administrator of St. Rita Parish, Clarklake.

Rev. Jonathan Perrotta, from pastor, St. Robert Bellarmine Parish, Flushing, and Good Shepherd, Montrose, to administrator of Holy Spirit Parish, Brighton.

Administrator and Senior Status

Rev. Thomas Firestone, from pastor, St. John Vianney Parish (with St. Mary Church), Flint, to senior priest status and administrator of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Flint, with continuing responsibilities as administrator of Christ the King, Flint.

Rev. Miguel Colunga, from parochial vicar, St. Patrick Parish, Brighton, to chaplain of Lumen Christi School, Jackson, with residence at St. John the Evangelist, Jackson.

Senior Status

Rev. Vincent VanDoan, from pastor, Immaculate Conception Parish, Milan, to senior priest status.

Rev. Thomas Helfrich, OSFS, from pastor, St. Rita Parish, Clarklake, to senior priest status in the Oblates of St Francis de Sales.

Our Lady, Queen of the Clergy, pray for them.

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Priest Assignments Announced as Part of Beacons of Light

The assignment plan for the priests in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati is complete. The complete list of assignments is available at BeaconsAOC.org. Assignments include the pastors and parochial vicars for the Families of Parishes that were announced in December 2021.  The priest assignments will take effect July 1, 2022, upon the implementation of Families of Parishes.

This announcement is the culmination of the Priests’ Personnel Board’s many months of discernment and work. This process included input from each priest regarding his own desires, skills and (where applicable) retirement plans; an assessment of each Family of Parishes and its priest staffing and pastoral leadership needs; and a prayerful determination of best fit between priest candidates and the various Families. Recommended assignments were then submitted to Archbishop Dennis M. Schnurr for his evaluation and acceptance. Regarding those Families of Parishes to be staffed by religious order priests, each order followed its own internal discernment process in recommending their priest(s). These recommendations were accepted by Archbishop Schnurr.

The assignments announcement aids leaders who are preparing for the implementation of Families of Parishes.  The first six months of 2022 is a preparatory period with trainings, workshops, and resources for priests, deacons and parish staffs. Some of this work has included:

• Beacons Roundtable Meetings: Monthly webinar series for parish leaders across the archdiocese that includes an overview of the Pastoral Planning Pathway and presentations on the Guiding Principles.
• Pastoral Planning Pathway: Fleshing out the five phases of the six principles that will guide each Family of Parishes on the path to becoming an evangelizing Beacon of Light. This work includes building a digital platform to assist Families of Parishes in the work of each phase of Beacons of Light. This platform will be aimed at assisting Families in creating their individual pastoral plans
• Liaisons: Identifying and training “liaisons” who are faithful Catholics with organizational leadership experience – who will work to assist Families of Parishes in their pastoral planning.
• Priest Formation & Training: Three important in-person conferences are planned for priests: Dan Cellucci, Executive Director of the Catholic Leadership Institute, will speak about priestly ministry and parish life in a time of chaos; Father Donald Senior will speak on the role of administrative services in priestly life; and Father James Mallon will speak on the Divine Renovation process.
• Lay Parish Leaders Formation & Training: Events planned in the spring for lay parish leaders, include a building skills workshop and a one-day retreat offered in four different locations around the archdiocese.
• Journeying Together Study Guide and Videos: These resources will help parish teams understand and reflect on the theological foundations of Beacons of Light.

More information about Beacons of Light, including frequently asked questions and downloadable resources are available at BeaconsAOC.org. A review of information from previous press releases regarding Beacons of Light:

Why is Beacons of Light happening?

• The status quo is no longer an option. At this point a comprehensive pastoral planning process is a necessity in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati to garner stability and position the diocese for growth.
• Our resources are largely consumed by efforts to maintain the status quo and are spread too thin to be truly effective. In particular, our priests are stretched to the limit, and we will have fewer priests who can serve as pastors over the coming years. The number of archdiocesan priests available for assignment is projected to decline by approximately 20% over the next five years.
• Religious practice has been declining in both the United States and in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. From 2010 to 2019, sacramental practice (including baptisms, first communions, confirmations and weddings) in the archdiocese declined by 23%.
• Our current infrastructure and schedules were built for a different era. In many cases, our church buildings are grossly underutilized. In the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, the average Sunday Mass is about one-third full.

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cincinnati is the 44 th largest Catholic diocese in the country, with more than 450,000 Catholics, and has the fifth largest Catholic school system in terms of enrollment with more than 40,000 students.  The 19-county territory includes 211 parishes and 111 Catholic primary and secondary schools.

Recent News & Announcements

Media Release Concerning Marshall Hyzdu

Deacon William Mullaney

Media release from the archdiocese of cincinnati & moeller high school.

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April 2024 Priest Assignment Updates

Posted on April 29, 2024 in News

A small group of priest assignment updates were approved by Bishop Johnston during the month of April.

Bishop Johnston has made the following priest assignment effective April 11, 2024:

Fr. Christian Malewski has concluded his assignment as Pastoral Coordinator for St. Joseph Catholic Academy, St. Joseph. He retains his current assignment as pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, St. Joseph.

Bishop Johnston has made the following priest assignment effective April 12, 2024:

Fr. Peter Ullrich, OSB has been appointed Parochial Administrator of St. Peter Parish, Stanberry and St. Patrick Mission, Ford City. These assignments will conclude on June 30, 2024. He will retain his assignments as pastor of St. Columbia Parish, Conception Junction, and St. Joseph Parish, Parnell.

Bishop Johnston has made the following priest assignment effective April 30, 2024:

Fr. Sebastian Allgaier, OSB concludes his assignment as pastor at St. Peter Parish, Stanberry, and St. Patrick Mission, Ford City.

Bishop Johnston has made the following priest assignment effective July 1, 2024:

Fr. Karl Barmann, OSB has been appointed pastor of St. Peter Parish, Stanberry and St. Patrick Mission, Ford City. His current assignments at St. Gregory Barbarigo Parish and the Newman Center at Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville conclude on June 30, 2024.

Fr. Aquinas Keusenkothen, OSB has been appointed to provide pastoral and sacramental care at St. Gregory Barbarigo Parish and Northwest Missouri State University Newman Center, Maryville.

Please pray for these men in their new assignments.

Related Diocesan News

Mission of Immaculate Heart of Mary, Princeton to Saint Joseph Parish, Trenton Amalgamation

Bishop Johnston addresses recent KC Star commentary on St. John LaLande School

St. Cyril Parish, Sugar Creek to St. Mary Parish, Independence Amalgamation

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Clergy assignment changes – April 2021

• News of the Diocese

April 14, 2021

Father Bede Kotlinski, OSB, with the permission of the Right Rev. Gary Hoover, OSB, abbot of St. Andrew Abbey, was appointed administrator of Immaculate Conception Parish, Cleveland, and effective March 24.

Father Frank G. Godic , pastor, Immaculate Conception Parish, Cleveland, was granted an authorized leave of absence for sick leave, effective March 24.

Father Gerald J. Bednar , vice rector and vice president of Saint Mary Seminary, Wickliffe, received permission to retire, effective July 1. In addition, Father Bednar was granted permission to live at St. John of the Cross Parish, Euclid, effective July 1.

Father John E. Manning , delegate for senior priests, received permission to retire, effective July 1.

Father John C. Chlebo , pastor, St. Christopher Parish, Rocky River, was appointed delegate for senior priests, effective July 1. This appointment is in addition to his assignment as pastor, St. Christopher Parish, Rocky River.

Father A. Jonathan Zingales , pastor, Visitation of Mary, Akron, and St. John the Baptist Parish, Akron, received permission to retire, effective Sept. 11.

Father Matthew J. Byrne concluded his appointment as administrator, St. John Bosco Parish, Parma Heights, and he was appointed pastor, St. John Bosco Parish, Parma Heights, effective April 18.

The diaconal assignment of Deacon Ronald R. James , Holy Spirit Parish, Garfield Heights, concluded and he was granted retirement status, effective May 1.

The diaconal assignment of Deacon John T. Wenzel , St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Fairport Harbor, concluded and he was granted retirement status, effective June 30.

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Diocese of bismarck nd.

Return to  main database page . See  abbreviations  and  posting policy . Send  corrections .

22 Accused in This Diocese

Fr. earl j. becwar.

• Diocese of Bismarck List 01.02.20

Fr. Norman J. Dukart

• Bismarck Tribune 03.25.02
• Bismarck Tribune 03.28.02
• Dallas Morning News 06.12.02
• Bismarck Tribune 09.13.03
• AM 1100 01.04.21
• Grand Forks Herald 01.04.21
• KFYR 04.05.21

Fr. Father Frank

• KFGO 12.13.09

Fr. Theodore F. Gustin

• Bismarck Tribune via findagrave 12.29.06
• Diocese fo Bismarck List 01.02.20

Fr. Eugene J. Haspert

• Findagrave accessed 01.14.20

Fr. Victor J. Heinen

• Conception Abbey Benedictines List 04.22.20

Fr. Donald W. Hill

Fr. michael t. krank.

• Bismarck Tribune Obituary 11.30.10

Fr. John Herman Kuhn

• Bismarck Tribune Obituary 03.17.06

Fr. Hugh C. McGovern

Fr. maurice g. mcneely.

• Hawaii Reporter 08.03.07
• Honolulu Star Advertiser 10.01.11
• SNAP Statement 06.07.12
• Las Vegas Review-Journal 06.20.12
• San Antonio Express News 06.21.12
• Garden Island 10.04.12
• KHON 2 10.04.12
• SNAP Statement 10.04.12
• Hawaii Reporter 10.15.12
• Dickinson Press 01.06.13
• SNAP Letter to Archbishop Vigneron 01.30.13
• Dickinson Press 05.04.13
• SNAP Statement 05.06.13
• Bismarck Tribune Obituary 10.06.17

Fr. Charles Meyer

Assignments:.

• Diocese of La Crosse Assignment Record
• Diocese of Wichita Assignment Record
• Diocese of La Crosse List updated 02.05.20
• La Crosse Tribune 02.06.20
• Diocese of St Cloud 06.12.20
• St Cloud Times 06.12.20
• Archdiocese of Cincinnati List 02.14.22
• Diocese of Wichita List accessed 02.27.24

Fr. Odo Muggli

Fr. Frederic J. Nelson

Fr. john j. owens.

• BA.org Assignment Record
• Archdiocese of St Paul Statement 10.23.14
• MN SNAP Statement 10.23.14
• Bismarck Tribune 10.23.14
• Minnesota Public Radio News 10.23.14
• Anderson & Assoc Press Release 10.23.14
• Archdiocese of St Paul and Minneapolis 10.23.14
• Pioneer Press 10.23.14
• Star Tribune 10.23.14
• SafeCatholicSMP 10.23.14
• ND–SNAP Statement 10.23.14
• Bismarck Tribune 02.20.21

Fr. James W. Pommier

• Bismarck Tribune 03.28.08
• Statement by Archdiocese of Seattle 02.10.09
• Minot Daily News 02.04.12
• The Stranger 01.15.16
• Central Kitsap Reporter 01.15.16
• Archdiocese of Seattle List 01.15.16
• The Daily World 01.18.16

Fr. James E. Reardon

• Bismarck Tribune Obituary 03.15.07

Fr. Aloysius P. Simon

• Diocese of Crookston List accessed 01.26.20
• Bismarck Tribune 06.09.89

Fr. Michael A. Spegele

Named publicly as accused by the Bismarck diocese on its list 1/2/20. Allegations made after his death. Substantiated. Died 3/16/98. Added to the La Crosse diocese's list 2/5/20, where he was assigned at some point to St. Francis Hospital. Added to KC-St Joseph list as of 4/21, one substantiated allegation in the diocese noted. Included on the Cincinnati archdiocese's list in 2/22.

• Lewiston Tribune Obituary 03.18.98
• Diocese of KC-St Joseph List 04.30.21

Fr. Laurence R. Talty

Fr. robert wuest, fr. stephen r. zastoupil.

• Bismarck Tribune 03.29.02
• Bismarck Tribune Obituary 07.05.18

Our Database of Publicly Accused does not state or imply that individuals facing allegations are guilty of a crime or liable for civil claims. The reports contained in the database are merely allegations. The U.S. legal system presumes that a person accused of or charged with a crime is innocent until proven guilty. Similarly, individuals who may be defendants in civil actions are presumed not to be liable for such claims unless a plaintiff proves otherwise. Admissions of guilt or liability are not typically a part of civil or private settlements. For more information, see our posting  policy .

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Priest Assignments for 2021

The priest assignments for 2021 are listed below. Please keep our priests and those they serve in prayer as these changes take place. 

Parish Pastor

Buckman, Rev. Thomas, Pastor, St. Mary Parish in Franklin and Christ the King Parish in Scottsville.  Effective June 8, 2021.

Kulathumkal, Rev. Babu, Pastor, St. Pius X Parish in Owensboro.  Effective June 8, 2021.

McCarty, Rev. Joshua, Pastor, St. Leo Parish in Murray.  Chaplain and Director of Catholic Newman Center, Murray State University. Effective June 8, 2021

Thomas, Rev. John, Pastor, St. Stephen Cathedral and Blessed Sacrament Chapel in Owensboro.  Effective July 13, 2021

Thomas, Rev. Shaiju, Pastor, St. Anthony Parish in Axtel and St. Mary of the Woods Parish in McQuady.  Effective June 8, 2021.

Thompson, Rev. William, Pastor, St. Joseph Parish in Central City.  Continuing with ministry in the Diocesan Marriage Tribunal.   Effective June 8, 2021.

Vadakumkara, Rev. Shijo, Pastor, St. William Parish in Knottsville and St. Lawrence parish in Saint Lawrence.  Effective June 8, 2021.

Valomchalil, Rev. Augusty, Pastor, St. Mary Magdalene Parish in Sorgho.  Effective June 8, 2021.

Williams, Rev. Brandon, Pastor, St. Anthony Parish in Peonia, St. Augustine Parish in Grayson Springs and St. Benedict Parish in Wax.  Continuing as Co-Director of Office of Worship.  Effective June 8, 2021.

Parochial Vicar

Abiero, Rev. Michael Charles, Parochial Vicar, St. Stephen Cathedral in Owensboro.  Effective June 8, 2021.

Az Cuc, Rev. Basilio, Parochial Vicar, St. Thomas More Parish in Paducah.  Effective June 8, 2021.

Bremer, Rev. Al, Parochial Vicar, Sacred Heart Parish in Russellville and Sacramental Minister at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Guthrie.  Effective June 8, 2021.

Bruns, Rev. Corey, Parochial Vicar, St. Joseph Parish in Bowling Green.  Effective June 8, 2021.

Dillard, Rev. Daniel, Parochial Vicar, Sts. Joseph & Paul Parish in Owensboro, Chaplain at Owensboro Catholic High School, and Director of Vocations for the Diocese of Owensboro.  Effective June 8, 2021.

Pynadath, Rev. Sinoj, Parochial Vicar, Sts. Peter & Paul Parish in Hopkinsville. Effective June 8, 2021.

Williams, Rev. Mike, Parochial Vicar, Sts. Joseph & Paul Parish in Owensboro, Chaplain at Brescia University.  Effective June 8, 2021.

McClure, Rev. Jason, Chaplain and Director of St. Thomas Aquinas Newman Center, Bowling Green, Kentucky and ministry to Gasper River Catholic Youth Camp and Retreat Center while continuing as Vicar for Clergy effective June 8, 2021.

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• Victor Mukhin

Victor M. Mukhin was born in 1946 in the town of Orsk, Russia. In 1970 he graduated the Technological Institute in Leningrad. Victor M. Mukhin was directed to work to the scientific-industrial organization "Neorganika" (Elektrostal, Moscow region) where he is working during 47 years, at present as the head of the laboratory of carbon sorbents.     Victor M. Mukhin defended a Ph. D. thesis and a doctoral thesis at the Mendeleev University of Chemical Technology of Russia (in 1979 and 1997 accordingly). Professor of Mendeleev University of Chemical Technology of Russia. Scientific interests: production, investigation and application of active carbons, technological and ecological carbon-adsorptive processes, environmental protection, production of ecologically clean food.   

Title : Active carbons as nanoporous materials for solving of environmental problems

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Parish Business Manager position - OLOG Minot

• Job Openings
• April 24 , 2024 Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, Minot, is seeking to fill the position of Parish Business Manager. The Parish Business Manager has primary responsibility for the supervision and management of all administrative functions of the parish including, but not limited to, financial activities, human resources, parish facility maintenance and use, and all related processes and systems for the parish. The role is intended as support to the work of the Pastor, staff, and parishioners. The Parish Business Manager plays an essential role in the mission and ministry of the church by ensuring that the practical matters of parish ministry are well-managed. The Parish Business Manager directs these efforts within a framework of shared ministry and purpose consistent with the mission of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church and the Bismarck Diocese. To request a job description and application information, please contact the parish office at 701-852-3002 or email [email protected].